Bollywood has always had a special place for romance, capturing love in all its shades—from sweeping fairy-tale romances to tragic love stories, from heartwarming family-friendly love sagas to intense, passionate affairs. Across generations, Hindi cinema has given us iconic love stories that define eras.
Whether you’re in the mood for an old-school black-and-white classic, a nostalgic 90s rom-com, or a modern love story with layered emotions, there’s a Bollywood romance for everyone this Valentine’s Day. Read on to discover some of the best and where to watch them online in India!
Timeless Bollywood Love Stories (1950s-1970s)
The golden age of Bollywood gave us poetic romances that have stood the test of time. Films like Mughal-e-Azam (1960) and Pakeezah (1972) told grand love stories with exquisite storytelling. Raj Kapoor and Nargis’ Awaara (1951) and Barsaat (1949) remain evergreen. Meanwhile, Aradhana (1969) and Kati Patang (1971) proved that love transcends all odds.
The Masala Era and Tragic Love Stories (1980s-1990s)
Bollywood in the 80s and early 90s brought love stories that blended romance with intense drama. Films like the Aamir Khan-led Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988) and the Salman Khan classic Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) redefined young love with heroes and heroines defying the wishes of their parents to seek love. Mani Ratnam’s war romance Dil Se (1998) showcased unrequited love in an unconventional setting, while Yash Chopra’s intergenerational romantic tragedy Lamhe (1991) broke age barriers in love.
The Khan Era (1990s-2000s)
No Bollywood romance list is complete without mentioning SRK, the ‘King of Romance.’ Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995). Starring Khan alongside Kajol, the blockbuster set a new standard for love stories. Directed by romance genre veteran Karan Johar, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998) and Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001) became cultural phenomena. Meanwhile, Yash Chopra’s inter-border love story Veer-Zaara (2004) embraced eternal love and devotion. Pairing Preity Zinta with Khan, the film narrated the story of an Indian and Pakistani couple who are separated due to the socio-political tensions of the two countries, bringing out a more serious side to the Shah Rukh Khan romances.
But SRK wasn’t alone—Salman Khan’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) and Tere Naam (2003) tugged at heartstrings, while Aamir Khan’s Dil Chahta Hai (2001) brought a modern take on love and friendship.
New-Age Romance (2010s-Present)
Modern Bollywood has given us layered love stories that feel more relatable. Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone’s pairings in Tamasha (2015) and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013) explored self-discovery and romance, setting the precedent for new-age Bollywood romances. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) and Bajirao Mastani (2015) brought back the drama and glamour of period romances.
New faces like Alia Bhatt have redefined love stories with Dear Zindagi (2016) and Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023). Films like Gehraiyaan (2022) tackle complex relationships, while Sita Ramam (2022) and Raanjhanaa (2013) blend poetry with passion.
Where to watch the best Bollywood Valentine’s Day movies streaming online in India
Check out JustWatch’s guide below for the different eras of Bollywood romance that you can stream online in India this Valentine’s Day. We also provide offers to buy, rent, or watch these movies for free (if available).
Now this is a well-rounded list for any Valentine’s Day mood—whether you’re in love, heartbroken, or just a fan of romance in cinema. Enjoy your movie night!